Best Snowman Books for Storytime (Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade)

Looking for snowman-themed books that keep preschool and early elementary groups engaged during storytime? Check these out!

I’m Going to Build a Snowman (2023)

By Jashar Awan · Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
A little boy wakes up to snow and is excited to build the best snowman ever! He puts on his winter clothes and begins the building process (action words and opportunities for pantomime abound) but things don’t go as perfectly as imagined.

The Snowman Shuffle (2019)

By Christianne Jones · Illustrated by Emma Randall · Published by Picture Window Books
Shuffle, slide, spin, swoosh, and sway along with this adorable interactive board book. Paced just right with chantable (or singable) rhyming text and bold, eye-catching illustrations—this little gem is a very effective read-aloud! Tip: if you need children to stay seated, translate the movements to the upper body only (i.e. “hop” by bouncing your hands up and down).

The First Day of Winter (2005)

By Denise Fleming · Published by Henry Holt and Company
A cumulative, chantable, or singable book based on “12 Days of Christmas” but it only goes to 10 (which I think is just right.) This book seamlessly incorporates lots of elements as the snowman is decorated, including colors, counting, clothing, and creative ways to use nature. There are ample opportunities for dialogic reading, group singing, and if you keep an eye out—there are lots of visual clues to help children make predictions.

Sneezy the Snowman (2010)

By Maureen Wright · Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin
I feel like Sneezy is a modern-day classic at this point. While it is a good read aloud for groups who can sustain a longer text, I prefer to tell this one rather than reading it, either with props, felt board, or nothing at all except motions and repeated text. My favorite thing about telling this story is having the children cry out “what should we do?” and making my voice blubber like it’s underwater as Sneezy speaks from the hot tub.

Making a Friend (2019)

By Tammi Sauer · Pictures by Alison Friend · Published by Two Lions
Beaver is good at making a lot of things, but not very good at making friends. One snowy day he rolls, pats, and stacks snowballs—which is harder than expected! Luckily, Raccoon stops to help make the new friend, but once completed the snowy fellow doesn’t even say “hello!” Does anyone want to be their friend? The cute and funny narrative provides opportunities for pantomime, predictions, and character voices.

You Make Me Smile (2012)

By Layn Marlow · Published by Holiday House
This heartwarming book really captures the magic of snow days and the child-like wonder of making a snowman, then seeing him melt away. I love how you don’t know who the narrator is until over halfway through the book. The pacing and images are enchanting, and I like to talk about what a narrator is, and ask the kids to see if they can figure out who is narrating the story as they listen.